Adults question their immunity amid measles outbreak

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - There's a measles outbreak in the United States with federal health officials reporting Monday more than 700 cases this year.

The disease is spreading mainly among children who haven't been vaccinated. However, some adults wonder if they should get a booster shot since cases of the virus are on the rise.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says measles cases in the U.S. have hit a 25-year high, therefore it urges people to check their vaccination status.

The Atlanta-based public health institution recommends two doses of the measles vaccine, citing one dosage blocks the virus by 93 percent. Two doses prevent measles after exposure by 97 percent. The CDC says, if an adult received the recommended two doses as a child, he or she doesn't need a booster shot.

However, there are some adults who may be in settings that pose a high risk for measles transmission. The CDC recommends those adults get two vaccinations. Those groups include students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare workers and international travelers.

FOX 5 sat down with Dr. Walter Orenstein, associate director of the Emory Vaccine Center, who provided more insight on the virus and vaccinations.

For more details about the disease, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Website: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/faqs.html